Mantis Boxing Society 25th Anniversary (1992 - 2017)

Brief overview of the Mantis Boxing Society (螳螂拳社)
 
Shandong Qixing Tanglang was first introduced to Australia by Dr Wang Xiaohua. After studying Mantis Boxing intensively under GM Li Zhanyuan during his university years in Qingdao, Wang won a scholarship to study for his PhD in Oceanography at James Cook University in 1987. After graduation, he moved to Canberra to take up a position at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), not long after, taking his first students Brendan Tunks, David Cuthbert and Ki Lam.
 
Formed in Canberra in 1992, the Mantis Boxing Society was officially incorporated in April 1996. The Society was modeled on the original Mantis Boxing Society, formed in Shanghai, China in February 1933 with 80 founding members. The aim of the Society is the propagation and uplifting of traditional Mantis Boxing both locally and internationally, through research, training, competition and public demonstration. Society members have won multiple international and national titles in various avenues of competition (bare hand, weapons and combat) since 1998.
 
Wang Xiaohua is the founder and Honorary Lifetime Chairman of the Society, Brendan Tunks is the President and Chief Instructor, David Cuthbert is Vice President and Senior Instructor. The Society is represented in Melbourne, Victoria by Senior Instructor Nang Ho.
 
The Mantis Boxing Society is joined by the Polish Praying Mantis Kung Fu Society and the Finnish Praying Mantis Kung Fu Society in the Mantis Boxing Tri-Nation Union.

25th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Ceremony

The Society held it's 25th anniversary dinner on 11 November 2017 with Master Li Qiyu of Qingdao as the guest of honour, with many past and present members, associates and guests in attendance. The night also marked the 15th anniversary of the death of Master Kang Zhiqiang (RIP), which was duly honoured throughout the evening. There were a number of speeches accompanied by  the presentation of the following certificates of achievement and awards:

Acknowledgement of Outstanding Achievement in Competition
David Cuthbert
Cammui Tunks
Nang Ho
Max Wang

In Recognition of Fighting on Behalf of the Mantis Boxing Society
Giorgio Rojas
Norak Theam
Nang Ho
Sam Loy-Wilson
Jordan D’Silva
Mark Djikic
Nam Do
Thomas Wormald

Acknowledgement of Outstanding Achievement in Combat
Adem Yilmaz

Acknowledgement of Dedication and Perseverance
Jun Steele

Appreciation of Ongoing Support of the Mantis Boxing Society
Anthony Manning

Appreciation of Ongoing Support of the President
Cammui Tunks

The Kang Zhiqiang Memorial Award for 25 Years of Dedication to the Mantis Boxing Society
David Cuthbert

The Li Zhanyuan Memorial Award for the International Propagation of Mantis Boxing
Dr Wang Xiaohua

Honorary Appointment to the Position of Chief Advisor of the Mantis Boxing Society
Master Li Qiyu

The Society is extremely grateful to have received congratulatory messages and salutations (compiled in  a commemorative booklet) from the following brothers-in-arms from across the world:

Slawomir Milczarek – President, Polish Mantis Boxing Federation
Arnold Buenviaje – Chief Instructor, Philippine Mingsheng Wenyang Sports Association
Esko Ronimus - Finnish Tang Lang Men Society
Kazumi Nemoto – President, Japan Old Mantis Boxing Association
Yo Katagiri – President, Balance Academy, Yun You Kung Fu Gym Japan
Claudio Fabbricatore - Zhong Lianbao Qixing Tanglang, Italy
Khoo Kheng Chiang - Penang Chinese Chin Woo Athletic Association, Malaysia
Davide Schiatti - Taiji Meihua Tanglang, Italy
Kevin Brazier - Taiwan Peng Lai Mantis Association
Will Wain-Williams - Zhou Zhendong Taiji Tanglang, Shanghai
Robert Hui - Chiu Chuk Kai Tai Chi Praying Mantis, Canada
Mike Dasargo - San Diego Fighting Arts Academy
Diego Klosinski - Shuai Jiao Association of Argentina
Miles Henderson - Holistic Combat Arts
Wang Dapeng - Principal, Taichi & Mandarin Solutions

The newest member of the Society, Dave ‘Axe’ Atkins was also named on the night.

Many thanks to all involved. Your ongoing support is much appreciated. Special thanks to Master Li Qiyu for making the trip to Australia and for overseeing a couple of weeks of intensive training leading up to the anniversary. Eternal gratitude to my teachers Dr Wang Xiaohua and the late Kang Zhiqiang.

Here's to 25 more years - Gan Bei!